Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the evolutionary process by which heritable traits are passed on entail?
What does the evolutionary process by which heritable traits are passed on entail?
What is a common reaction of humans toward those with differing attitudes or attributes?
What is a common reaction of humans toward those with differing attitudes or attributes?
At what age do children typically begin to display fear of strangers?
At what age do children typically begin to display fear of strangers?
How do humans generally view social interactions?
How do humans generally view social interactions?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following behaviors is universally found in all human societies according to Donald Brown?
Which of the following behaviors is universally found in all human societies according to Donald Brown?
Signup and view all the answers
What moral dilemma do humans generally agree on regarding sacrificing one for many?
What moral dilemma do humans generally agree on regarding sacrificing one for many?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a universal aspect of human expression?
Which of the following is a universal aspect of human expression?
Signup and view all the answers
What can be concluded about shared behaviors across cultures based on the content?
What can be concluded about shared behaviors across cultures based on the content?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary distinction between sex and gender as defined in psychology?
What is the primary distinction between sex and gender as defined in psychology?
Signup and view all the answers
In what way do gender differences on a playground particularly highlight the interaction of biology and culture?
In what way do gender differences on a playground particularly highlight the interaction of biology and culture?
Signup and view all the answers
Which behavior is more commonly associated with boys on an elementary school playground?
Which behavior is more commonly associated with boys on an elementary school playground?
Signup and view all the answers
What societal belief about gender and sex has been traditionally challenged?
What societal belief about gender and sex has been traditionally challenged?
Signup and view all the answers
What term describes a child born with ambiguous genitalia?
What term describes a child born with ambiguous genitalia?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common misconception about the term 'gender'?
What is a common misconception about the term 'gender'?
Signup and view all the answers
What has modern psychology challenged regarding the understanding of gender roles?
What has modern psychology challenged regarding the understanding of gender roles?
Signup and view all the answers
Why are gender differences considered contentious in psychology?
Why are gender differences considered contentious in psychology?
Signup and view all the answers
What does evolutionary psychology share in common with Freudian psychology, according to critics?
What does evolutionary psychology share in common with Freudian psychology, according to critics?
Signup and view all the answers
What is proposed as a way to overcome hindsight bias in evolutionary psychology?
What is proposed as a way to overcome hindsight bias in evolutionary psychology?
Signup and view all the answers
According to the content, why might monogamy be evolutionarily advantageous for males?
According to the content, why might monogamy be evolutionarily advantageous for males?
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of adults, according to a Gallup survey, do not believe that evolution accounts for human existence?
What percentage of adults, according to a Gallup survey, do not believe that evolution accounts for human existence?
Signup and view all the answers
What factor contributes most significantly to the persistence of skepticism towards evolution in the United States?
What factor contributes most significantly to the persistence of skepticism towards evolution in the United States?
Signup and view all the answers
Why do evolutionary scientists argue that mutation and natural selection explain the emergence of life?
Why do evolutionary scientists argue that mutation and natural selection explain the emergence of life?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the main challenges to Darwin's idea of evolution as mentioned in the content?
What is one of the main challenges to Darwin's idea of evolution as mentioned in the content?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the variability in species' genetic relatedness indicate?
What does the variability in species' genetic relatedness indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
What is meant by 'code-switching' in the context of youth?
What is meant by 'code-switching' in the context of youth?
Signup and view all the answers
How do deaf children of hearing parents typically adapt to their environments?
How do deaf children of hearing parents typically adapt to their environments?
Signup and view all the answers
What role do parents play in cultural transmission to their children?
What role do parents play in cultural transmission to their children?
Signup and view all the answers
What is indicated about the cultural influences on children?
What is indicated about the cultural influences on children?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common finding in cross-cultural psychology regarding universal norms?
What is a common finding in cross-cultural psychology regarding universal norms?
Signup and view all the answers
What factor influences how cultures change over time?
What factor influences how cultures change over time?
Signup and view all the answers
What implication is made about the adaptability of humans in cultural contexts?
What implication is made about the adaptability of humans in cultural contexts?
Signup and view all the answers
How do cultural variations impact the definition of friendship?
How do cultural variations impact the definition of friendship?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguishes being transgender from having atypical gender roles?
What distinguishes being transgender from having atypical gender roles?
Signup and view all the answers
According to evolutionary psychology, why do men have stronger sex drives than women?
According to evolutionary psychology, why do men have stronger sex drives than women?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant factor driving women's mating preferences according to evolutionary psychology?
What is a significant factor driving women's mating preferences according to evolutionary psychology?
Signup and view all the answers
What behavior do researchers suggest may be a preparation for serious competition in males?
What behavior do researchers suggest may be a preparation for serious competition in males?
Signup and view all the answers
Which belief contradicts the evolutionary psychology perspective on mating preferences?
Which belief contradicts the evolutionary psychology perspective on mating preferences?
Signup and view all the answers
What do males typically look for according to evolutionary psychologists when it comes to reproductive opportunities?
What do males typically look for according to evolutionary psychologists when it comes to reproductive opportunities?
Signup and view all the answers
What aspect of male behavior is enhanced through competition, according to evolutionary theory?
What aspect of male behavior is enhanced through competition, according to evolutionary theory?
Signup and view all the answers
What misconception might one have regarding the surgical choices of transgender individuals?
What misconception might one have regarding the surgical choices of transgender individuals?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is identified as universal behavior in all human societies?
Which of the following is identified as universal behavior in all human societies?
Signup and view all the answers
Humans show preference for sour tastes over sweet tastes.
Humans show preference for sour tastes over sweet tastes.
Signup and view all the answers
At what age do children typically begin displaying fear of strangers?
At what age do children typically begin displaying fear of strangers?
Signup and view all the answers
Humans express moral disapproval even before they can ______.
Humans express moral disapproval even before they can ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following social behaviors with their descriptions:
Match the following social behaviors with their descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common reaction when confronted by individuals with dissimilar attributes?
What is a common reaction when confronted by individuals with dissimilar attributes?
Signup and view all the answers
All human societies are completely different from each other in terms of social behavior.
All human societies are completely different from each other in terms of social behavior.
Signup and view all the answers
What primary preference do humans show in terms of social living?
What primary preference do humans show in terms of social living?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a primary focus of evolutionary psychologists?
What is a primary focus of evolutionary psychologists?
Signup and view all the answers
Evolutionary psychologists believe cultural behavior patterns are solely determined by genetics.
Evolutionary psychologists believe cultural behavior patterns are solely determined by genetics.
Signup and view all the answers
What trait do evolutionary psychologists suggest humans are primarily endowed with?
What trait do evolutionary psychologists suggest humans are primarily endowed with?
Signup and view all the answers
According to evolutionary psychology, differences between men and women arise because of cultural _______.
According to evolutionary psychology, differences between men and women arise because of cultural _______.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the statement to its implication regarding evolutionary behavior:
Match the statement to its implication regarding evolutionary behavior:
Signup and view all the answers
What does evolutionary psychology aim to achieve through its studies?
What does evolutionary psychology aim to achieve through its studies?
Signup and view all the answers
Cultural roles of individuals are static and do not change over time.
Cultural roles of individuals are static and do not change over time.
Signup and view all the answers
What type of predictions do evolutionary psychologists make based on observations?
What type of predictions do evolutionary psychologists make based on observations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the cultural norm regarding greetings among men in Armonk as stated?
What is the cultural norm regarding greetings among men in Armonk as stated?
Signup and view all the answers
All cultures have the same social behavior norms.
All cultures have the same social behavior norms.
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of Japan's population is ethnically Japanese?
What percentage of Japan's population is ethnically Japanese?
Signup and view all the answers
Migration and refugee evacuations are mixing cultures more than ever, making our world increasingly a _ .
Migration and refugee evacuations are mixing cultures more than ever, making our world increasingly a _ .
Signup and view all the answers
Match the cultural practices with their related countries:
Match the cultural practices with their related countries:
Signup and view all the answers
What is often a struggle for foreigners visiting Japan?
What is often a struggle for foreigners visiting Japan?
Signup and view all the answers
Cultural differences are diminishing in densely populated areas like New York City.
Cultural differences are diminishing in densely populated areas like New York City.
Signup and view all the answers
What role do electronic networks play in global culture?
What role do electronic networks play in global culture?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a characteristic of collectivistic cultures regarding norms?
Which of the following is a characteristic of collectivistic cultures regarding norms?
Signup and view all the answers
In collectivistic cultures, being a vegetarian is generally viewed positively as a personal choice.
In collectivistic cultures, being a vegetarian is generally viewed positively as a personal choice.
Signup and view all the answers
What historical threats have collectivistic cultures experienced that may have influenced the development of strong norms?
What historical threats have collectivistic cultures experienced that may have influenced the development of strong norms?
Signup and view all the answers
In collectivistic societies, human suffering is often seen as a result of violating social _____ .
In collectivistic societies, human suffering is often seen as a result of violating social _____ .
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following cultural responses to behavior to their respective cultures:
Match the following cultural responses to behavior to their respective cultures:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following behaviors is typically discouraged in collectivistic cultures?
Which of the following behaviors is typically discouraged in collectivistic cultures?
Signup and view all the answers
Collectivistic cultures may have an easier time adapting to rules during infectious disease outbreaks due to their strong emphasis on norms.
Collectivistic cultures may have an easier time adapting to rules during infectious disease outbreaks due to their strong emphasis on norms.
Signup and view all the answers
What might cause individuals in collectivistic cultures to avoid interaction with vegetarians?
What might cause individuals in collectivistic cultures to avoid interaction with vegetarians?
Signup and view all the answers
What term describes the phenomenon where youth adapt their behavior or speech based on their environment?
What term describes the phenomenon where youth adapt their behavior or speech based on their environment?
Signup and view all the answers
Parents have a direct and strong influence on their children's cultural development.
Parents have a direct and strong influence on their children's cultural development.
Signup and view all the answers
What do younger individuals often learn from slightly older peers?
What do younger individuals often learn from slightly older peers?
Signup and view all the answers
Cultural traditions endure, yet cultures __________.
Cultural traditions endure, yet cultures __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following cultural norms with their respective countries:
Match the following cultural norms with their respective countries:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following traits is universally valued across various cultures?
Which of the following traits is universally valued across various cultures?
Signup and view all the answers
Cultural variations in norms do not exist, as all cultures define relationships in the same way.
Cultural variations in norms do not exist, as all cultures define relationships in the same way.
Signup and view all the answers
What aspect of cultural influence is described as 'loose enough' in the text?
What aspect of cultural influence is described as 'loose enough' in the text?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Human Universals
- Humans share many universal behaviors across cultures, including sleeping, waking, feeling hunger and thirst, developing language, and preferring sweet tastes to sour.
- Humans also share a preference for living in groups, conforming to social norms, recognizing social status, returning favors, punishing offenses, and grieving loved ones.
- Anthropologist Donald Brown identified several hundred universal behavioral and language patterns, including the existence of verbs, violence, visiting, and vowels in all human societies.
- There is a sense of morality that is common across cultures and eras, as evidenced by the disapproving of what's wrong or naughty in infants.
- Humans across the world share similar moral dilemmas, such as the trolley problem, where the ethical decision to save more lives by sacrificing one is consistent across different cultures.
Evolutionary Psychology and Gender
- Evolutionary psychologists posit that men have stronger sex drives because sex is a cheap investment for men but a big commitment for women.
- This is due to the different adaptive challenges faced by men and women in terms of sex and reproduction.
- Women invest their reproductive opportunities more carefully by looking for signs of resources and commitment in potential mates, while men compete for chances to reproduce by seeking healthy and fertile partners.
- Men's greater aggression might be linked to their evolutionary advantage in gaining access to females, contributing to the development of male dominance traits.
- There are criticisms of evolutionary psychology, which argue that the theory can be easily retrofitted to explain any observed behavior in retrospect.
Biology, Culture, and Gender
- Gender refers to the characteristics associated with males and females, which can be rooted in biology, culture, or both.
- Sex refers to the biological categories of male and female, defined by chromosomes, genitals, and secondary sex characteristics.
- Gender roles and sex are not always rigid, and there is a growing understanding of transgender identities and the complexities of gender.
- Evolutionary psychology suggests that differences in mating preferences, such as men's desire for more sexual partners, can be attributed to the differing investments in reproduction by men and women.
- While evolutionary explanations for gender differences play a role, it is also crucial to consider the influence of culture and upbringing in shaping gender behaviors.
Human Nature
- Humans share common behaviors and language patterns, regardless of culture.
- Examples of universal behaviors include: sleeping, waking, feeling hunger and thirst, developing language, preferring sweet tastes over sour, fearing snakes more than sparrows.
- Humans are intensely social and understand each other’s facial expressions (frown, smile).
Evolutionary Psychology
- Focuses on how natural selection favors traits that promote the continuation of genes.
- Acknowledges human capacity for learning and adaptation, but highlights shared human nature.
- Evolutionary perspective theorizes how evolution may have led to gender differences in behaviors like aggression and sexual initiative.
- The field uses empirical evidence from animal behavior, cross-cultural observations, and hormonal and genetic studies to test evolutionary predictions.
Culture and Social Influence
- Every culture has its own norms - rules for accepted and expected behavior.
- Collectivistic cultures, emphasizing group harmony, have stronger norms compared to individualistic cultures.
- Collectivistic cultures are more likely to stigmatize people seen as different (gays, lesbians, immigrants, heavy drinkers, drug addicts).
- Cultural norms can vary greatly, leading to intercultural misunderstandings.
- Cultural differences are often greater than similarities.
- People everywhere have some common norms for friendship, like respecting privacy and making eye contact.
- The most valued traits for friendships across cultures are honesty, fairness, kindness, good judgment, and curiosity.
Cultural Change
- Cultural change is usually driven by younger people.
- Parents influence their children indirectly through the social environment they create.
- We are more alike than different, even though we are culturally diverse.
- Although cultures vary greatly, human nature is ultimately similar, as evidenced by many shared behaviors.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the fascinating principles of human universals and the perspectives of evolutionary psychology concerning gender. This quiz examines the shared behaviors, social norms, and moral dilemmas across cultures, as well as findings from anthropologist Donald Brown. Test your knowledge on how these factors shape human experience.
